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How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the DR?
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Author:  Helpmann [ Mon May 02, 2011 10:28 pm ]
Post subject:  How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the DR?
For those that have driven in both Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, how do they compare? For my needs, a rental car shouldn't be necessary in San Jose; however, a car may be necessary if I plan to explore some of the sites between Jaco and Dominical.

For those that have driven in the capital and campo of both countries, I would really appreciate your comparative assessment of road quality, drivers, traffic cops, signage, and street/highway lighting.

BTW, if someone can recommend a car rental company in Jaco, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Helpmann :D
Author:  Orange [ Tue May 03, 2011 2:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
Have never been to DR, but have driven in CR a few times. Basically speaking, you want to make your peace with God before you get in the car, just in case. You may not get the chance to before you die. :lol:
Author:  Irish Drifter [ Tue May 03, 2011 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
The difficulty of driving in Costa Rica is severely distorted.

Is it a as easy as a Sunday afternoon drive through a rural U.S. town? NO!

Is it anymore difficult then driving in any major U.S. city suburb when everyone is rushing to get to work, school, etc? NO!

I have been driving here for almost 8 years and never have had an accident. I have said before you have to have a combination driving skills here. You have to be semi-aggressive and defensive at the same time.
Author:  Miamiheller [ Tue May 03, 2011 3:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
Helpmann wrote:
For those that have driven in both Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, how do they compare? For my needs, a rental car shouldn't be necessary in San Jose; however, a car may be necessary if I plan to explore some of the sites between Jaco and Dominical.

For those that have driven in the capital and campo of both countries, I would really appreciate your comparative assessment of road quality, drivers, traffic cops, signage, and street/highway lighting.

BTW, if someone can recommend a car rental company in Jaco, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Helpmann :D


For me, I find the biggest issue to be signage. In SJO, basically there isn't any. Directions go something like this: "go 300 meters (3 blocks) past such and such place, turn left at the pulperia, go north 100 meters and it's on the right next to the house with the blue awning." IMO Santo Domingo is much better in that regards, at least compared to SJO.

Road quality used to be horrible in SD and surroundings but has gotten better in recent years as long as you stick to main roads, however a lot of barrio streets remain unpaved or are in poor condition.

I find drivers in both country to be about the same.

My dos colones,

mh
Author:  Helpmann [ Tue May 03, 2011 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
Miamiheller wrote:
For me, I find the biggest issue to be signage. In SJO, basically there isn't any. Directions go something like this: "go 300 meters (3 blocks) past such and such place, turn left at the pulperia, go north 100 meters and it's on the right next to the house with the blue awning." IMO Santo Domingo is much better in that regards, at least compared to SJO.

Road quality used to be horrible in SD and surroundings but has gotten better in recent years as long as you stick to main roads, however a lot of barrio streets remain unpaved or are in poor condition.

I find drivers in both country to be about the same...
Thanks. I have driven all around DR for the last 7-years, but I have never been to Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, I would like the freedom to drive where I want, specifically, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Quepos, and Dominical.

By the way, what car company do you use (or can recommend) in Costa Rica and do you pick-up at the San Jose airport or another location? Also, I have never had to rent a car with 4-wheel drive in the Dominican Republic. Is a 4-wheel drive vehicle in Costa Rica necessary?

Thanks,
Helpmann :D
Author:  DGD [ Tue May 03, 2011 9:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Rental
I'm from Chi-town so I am used to crazy drivers, but the congestion in SJ is what gets me.

Regarding cars, I've been doing Quepos/Manuel Antonio for 11 years. I used to fly to Quepos and then rent from Budget there, but Sansa and Nature Air tickets are way up there now. So, now I rent from Budget (on-line in the states--great rates) and pick it up at their SJ office on Paseo Colon at Calle 30, drive 2.5 to Quepos, and then return it to their SJ Int'l Airport facility, no extra charge. Their rates are the best by far. Bring a camera and take alot of pictures of the car, everything you see, every scratch or cig burn on the inside. Also, fill it up on return or they'll rape you for gas. There's a gas station about 5 minutes south of their airport office. If you are going to return it to the airport from the coast, check out my post about how to get to the airport from the Autopista del Sol.

You made a good choice for your first visit, I think you'll like Quepso/M.A. the most. Jaco has the P4P but the beach is kind of trashy at times and it's really built up with hotels and condos. Dominical is cool but the beach is very rocky. Manuel Antonio is world class, maybe 1.75-2 miles, very little construction on the beach. You're heading into the rainy season so you're probably not going to get any day with a full day of sun and some days none. I'll be there May 27 for a week. The beach will be yours, very few people now thru October-Nov.

I don't know if your hotels are already set, but there's only a few right on the beach in MA. Verde Mar (has small kitchens) and Karahe, both have websites would be my choice. There are numerous nicer hotels but a distance to get to the beach. If you have a car that may not matter but you still will be driving back and forth. Costa Verde about 4 clicks up hill is always a good bet and very nice.

After you leave Quepos for Dominical, there's an awesome beach about 15 minutes south of Quepos--Playa Montapalo, huge, long beach, palm lined, roaring surf, and rarely no more than 5 people on it. Keep your eye's peeled for the small entrance road sign which will lead you into this little pueblo, and then the beach behind.
Author:  Helpmann [ Tue May 03, 2011 10:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Rental
DGD wrote:
...Regarding cars, I've been doing Quepos/Manuel Antonio for 11 years. I used to fly to Quepos and then rent from Budget there, but Sansa and Nature Air tickets are way up there now. So, now I rent from Budget (on-line in the states--great rates) and pick it up at their SJ office on Paseo Colon at Calle 30, drive 2.5 to Quepos, and then return it to their SJ Int'l Airport facility, no extra charge. Their rates are the best by far. Bring a camera and take alot of pictures of the car, everything you see, every scratch or cig burn on the inside. Also, fill it up on return or they'll rape you for gas. There's a gas station about 5 minutes south of their airport office. If you are going to return it to the airport from the coast, check out my post about how to get to the airport from the Autopista del Sol...
Thanks. I don't plan to travel until late November.

BTW, do you rent a sedan or SUV?

Best,
Helpmann :)
Author:  DGD [ Tue May 03, 2011 11:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
Better month but still may catch some bad days, maybe not rain but many full overcast days. I was there Dec 3-13 and went back without a tan.

I always rent the cheapest, you don't need an SUV for your itinerary unless you plan on doing some off road stuff. The road is paved now all the way to Dominical and I think all the way to Panama but not sure about that leg. I drove to Dominical when it wasn't paved and it was a 10 mph bumpity bump drag. Now I understand you can make it to Dominical in less than an hour. Get an automatic, same price on the economy model, the mountain road from Quepos to MA is 8 km's of up and down and you get behind a bus or a truck and you're either riding the clutch or double clutching.

If you do, make sure you call Budget and confirm a day or so in advance that you have reserved an automatic, they claim they can't read off of their computer on an Int'l reservation if you reserved a stick or an auto. I was there in April and got stuck with a stick, at least that's the line they gave me. They don't have alot of cars at the Paseo Colon office. Take pictures when they take you around for the pre-trip inspection. Make sure they note on the carbon every damn ding or scratch you see, including on the windows and mirrors and wheels. They used to be real bad about that on returning, tried to stick me with a $200 bill for a cracked signal light about 10 years ago. That took me about a year to straighten out with their franchisor, Budget USA. They know I take pictures and I think that helps.
Author:  Helpmann [ Wed May 04, 2011 6:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
DGD wrote:
...If you do, make sure you call Budget and confirm a day or so in advance that you have reserved an automatic, they claim they can't read off of their computer on an Int'l reservation if you reserved a stick or an auto. I was there in April and got stuck with a stick, at least that's the line they gave me. They don't have alot of cars at the Paseo Colon office. Take pictures when they take you around for the pre-trip inspection. Make sure they note on the carbon every damn ding or scratch you see, including on the windows and mirrors and wheels. They used to be real bad about that on returning, tried to stick me with a $200 bill for a cracked signal light about 10 years ago. That took me about a year to straighten out with their franchisor, Budget USA. They know I take pictures and I think that helps.
Thank You. The invaluable information you provided will make this a great trip!

BTW, because you are very vigilant when it comes to noting prior damage to the car, can I assume that you do not buy insurance?

Thanks,
Helpmann :)
Author:  BlueDevil [ Wed May 04, 2011 7:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
I always got great deals from Thrifty Rental Car with offices located at the airport and Calle 3 near the Clarion hotel.

I've been to both the DR and CR, but did not drive in the DR. The DR drivers' attitudes and behavior are slightly more over the top than in Costa Rica. But at least you don't get thrown in jail in CR for having a fender-bender like you do in the DR. As someone metioned, the best way to drive in CR is semi-aggressive defensively... just like here in South Jersey. Driving in the city can be a free for all. On the autopistas and the national roads, things get easier, but don't let your guard down. Tico drivers are risk takers, and will pull some incredible stunts to make time on narrow, winding roads with no shoulders or guiderails. Signage and pavement markings are noticeably absent making it difficult to stay on the road during night time or rainy/foggy conditions. (The Hill of Death on the way to San Isidro del General comes to mind.) If you do get in accident, and if you can help it, try not to move the car... the INS adjuster need to come out and inspect the accident before the accident can be cleared.

The bottom line, I will gladly drive in CR, but not the DR.
Author:  Phoenix Rising [ Wed May 04, 2011 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
I've driven in La Capital...the colonial zone even! :shock: and the North Coast in the DR and there are two problems that you have there that I haven't encountered in CR:

1. The motoconchos - they drive like maniacs

2. Insurance. I've heard horror stories where there has been a serious accident in the DR and someone gets seriously injured... In one case the insurance was either bogus or insuffucient....and the guy ended up in jail, having his passport confiscated and was financially raped by the dominicans...

I've driven everywhere in Costa Rica and wouldn't hesitate to do so again. There is far more traffic in Costa Rica and the roads are legendary for their state of disrepair, but hardly a reason not to go out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica.
Author:  Pacifica55 [ Wed May 04, 2011 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
I drive all over Costa Rica but have never been to DR. City driving is a bit of a challenge because so much is done here by right-of-way in lieu of lights/signs. Keep your head on a swivel and follow the traffic. Drivers here are very forgiving and don't get excited because someone made an error or needs a moment to get with the program. The default is "GO" (as opposed to the US default - "STOP"). Let the other guy in when he needs it and they will let you in when you need it.

Driving on the coast is a little different. Late November is about the worst weather of the year. Expect heavy tropical rain, low visibility and high water. Nevertheless, buses will pass on blind corners at break-neck speeds and oxen carts will reduce speeds to a crawl. Keep your eyes open all the time.
Author:  Helpmann [ Wed May 04, 2011 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
Thanks guys!! Every report that gives the edge to Costa Rica on drive-ability makes me feel much more comfortable about driving in CR.

-Helpmann :D
Author:  CRGolfer [ Tue May 10, 2011 5:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
I 100% agree with Pac's response... I live here and drive back and forth from a beach community (near Playas del Coco) to my office in Sabana on a regular basis... sometimes two trips per week.

Driving in San Jose is not a problem, as long as you know where you are going. 6 years ago it was awful and I never knew where I was going. Now through experience and trial by error I can get to almost anywhere I need to go and have gotten the directions down.

If you do not know where you are going, then take a taxi.... It will save you a hell of a lot of stress and headache. Even GPS is useless! To me GPS in downtown San Jose will only lead you to an accident by paying attention to the equipment rather than the craziness of motor cycles, mopeds, pedestrians, and taxi drivers all over the place.... and they do not hesitate because they DO know where they are going.

Diving out to the beach areas is EASY.... there is only one main road through each major beach community in the country. Coco, one road with two turns to the neighboring beaches of Hermosa/Panama or Ocotal (those beach areas only have one road through them. Jaco, one road with a couple of turn offs to areas such as Los Suenos. Manuel Antonio, one road through the area. Playa Samara (don't blink you will miss it) Tamarindo, one road with a couple of turn offs (one towards Flamingo and other smaller beaches). Never been to Dominical but it is smaller than even Playas del Coco.

Driving out of the city towards the beaches is easy if given the correct directions. Leaving from SL to Jaco is not terribly difficult but is easy to end up on the wrong street that will take you to a right turn only when you need to turn left. But a little patience and this can be overcome.

Rental car companies... I agree with the comment above about Thrifty (owner of Thrifty Costa Rica is a relative of a business partner of mine). But all the major companies are here Hertz, (National, Budget, Alamo, and Toyota Rental Car are all operated by a company called ANC in Costa Rica.... out in the beach areas the offices are separated but at both SJO and LIR they are under one roof.

AVOID renting a car through the SJO airport branches of the rental car companies... this adds a tax that you can avoid by renting from any of their other office (check the company you chose to use on their web site for locations).

A company that is not in the U.S. Adobe rental car is a reputable company (I use them often in my office as our employees make reservations for our clients coming to visit their condos or tenants renting for hoildays... they pay a high commission for refferals.... If you rent from them not using someone in the middle their price is often the best).

All of this being said.... I would HIGHLY recommend the use of brother PuraVidaTransport if you are going to the beaches.... he will take care of the driving and provide the knowledge along the way for a price that is unbeatable in Costa Rica!
Author:  Helpmann [ Sun May 15, 2011 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How Does Driving in Costa Rica Compare to Driving in the
CRGolfer wrote:
...All of this being said.... I would HIGHLY recommend the use of brother PuraVidaTransport if you are going to the beaches.... he will take care of the driving and provide the knowledge along the way for a price that is unbeatable in Costa Rica!
Thanks!

-Helpmann :)
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